(LEAD) BIGBANG’s Taeyang to release third solo album this month

SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) — Taeyang of idol band BIGBANG will release his third full-length solo album this month, according to his agency Monday.

“White Night,” Taeyang’s first solo work in three years since “Rise,” will come out Aug. 16, YG Entertainment said. He will put on a solo concert at Jamsil Arena in Seoul on Aug. 26-27 as part of his “White Night” world tour.

The 29-year-old was the first among the BIGBANG members to venture out into the solo realm, releasing his first EP album in 2008 and later successful hit tracks, such as “Wedding Dress,” “I Need A Girl” and “Eyes, Nose, Lips.”

Over the weekend, Taeyang wrapped up a two-city tour in Japan.

“I wanted to make the album to satisfy my own standards. It’s taken quite a long time, as I also wanted to produce music that’s recognized by others,” Taeyang explained of his prolonged solo career hiatus.

A promotional image for Taeyang’s new solo album “White Night” (Yonhap)